Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist (XR08)

The closing date is 10 June 2025

Job summary

Clinical Specialist Speech & Language Therapist Acute services including Critical Care

We are seeking an ambitious Clinical Specialist Speech & Language Therapist within our acute Speech & Language Therapy team at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust. We are looking to recruit a dynamic, innovative and skilled Clinical Specialist Speech and Language Therapist. You must be capable of providing high quality therapy across acute pathways including Critical care in Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. This cross-site post will cover the twin sites of Leeds General Infirmary and St James's University Hospital. The post will provide excellent opportunities to develop skills as a core member of Acute MDTs serving the population of Leeds and Yorkshire region.

You will be able to evidence high level of knowledge and skills within acute pathways. For complete details of the role please refer to the job description and personal specification in the supporting documentation. To fulfil the role, you will have enhanced competencies in instrumental assessment and experience in supporting the development of competency in your team. WE are looking for a strong leader who can build a team that will make a difference within the Speech & Language Therapy service within LTHT. You will be actively involved in research active and have taken part in studies related to your filed of expertise.

Main duties of the job

Established leadership skills are essential for this role; you will be expected to work alongside the senior management of the Adult Speech & Language Therapy team and Adult Therapies Clinical Support Unit. Service evaluation and governance are key components of this role with the post holder expected to undertake regular audit, collate clinical outcomes and participate in relevant quality forums with a view to continually improving quality, safety and productivity, as well as informing future business cases.

This is a fantastic opportunity to clinically lead and develop a team of acute Speech & Language Therapists providing highly specialist therapy to our patients. It is essential that you are motivated to work within the current Speech & Language Therapy resource to develop the skills and competence of the team in acute skills and the associated pathways.

Teaching will be a significant part of your role, both SLT and MDT teaching. You will have experience of providing teaching nationally and locally and will be able to work supportively with other critical care facilities within the region.

Please note this vacancy may close before the advertised closing date (without further notice) if sufficient suitable applications are received. If you require any reasonable adjustments please contact the recruiting manager immediately.

About us

The post holder will join a highly supportive and innovative Speech and Language Therapy Service comprising 40 wte SLTs serving ENT, Maxillofacial Surgery, Head and Neck, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Brain CNS, Gen Med/Elderly, Respiratory, Outpatient, Paediatric and Cleft teams. The Department offers comprehensive supervision in conjunction with a well-established Continuing Professional Development program and access to regular staff meetings.

For further information on the above post please contact:

Paula Hendron, Head of Speech & Language Therapy via Fiona Gilmore, SLT Team admin- 01132064265 fiona.gilmore2@nhs.net

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments will be made for disabled applicants where required in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

20 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£53,755 to £60,504 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-ATH-413

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Job description

Job responsibilities

To take a clinical lead role in the specialist area taking responsibility for the advanced assessment, diagnosis, management and specialist treatment of complex communication and swallowing related to a wide range of conditions in the specialist area.

To be an expert practitioner and utilise specialist knowledge in line with local policies/protocols and professional guidelines to manage risk and improve function.

To provide specialist speech and language therapy advice to any appropriate hospital or primary health care professional.

To build links with allied agencies across primary and secondary care improving local and regional care pathways across acute, outpatient and community settings.

To actively contribute to the strategic development and implementation of both the specialist SLT and wider multi-disciplinary areas.

This will include taking the lead on developing and maintaining the SLT pathways and ensuring the highest possible clinical standards are met. Manage audit and quality improvement data collection, analysing, interpreting and reporting findings.

Participate in research and development and teaching and support other team members participating in these activities.

Contribute to the highest standards of clinical governance and respond to and influence Trust, national and professional advanced in the specialist area.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

3.1 Be an expert practitioner in their specialist area () and act as a senior adviser to SLTs and other professionals on professional issues related to this specialist field

3.2 Provide clinical leadership across Specialist pathways.

3.3 Provide specialist SLT input across Care Pathways for patients presenting with Swallowing and/or Communication impairment, demonstrate a high level of post graduate experience within the specialist area.

3.4 Conduct advanced clinical and diagnostic instrumental assessments

3.5 Treat and manage complex communication and swallowing impairments within the specialist area of work as part of relevant multidisciplinary teams and represent Speech and Language Therapy at multidisciplinary meetings within relevant Clinical Support Units

3.6 Identify, develop and implement strategies to improve patient care through the development and adherence to relevant LTHT policies, protocols, strategies and objectives in conjunction with departmental and Trust business plans.

3.7 Adhere to the Health and Care Professions Council Society of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, DOH, NICE guidelines and LTHT health and safety guidelines.

3.8 Manage own complex caseload and support and train junior SLTs and ward staff

3.9 Provide mentorship, training and supervision to students and colleagues from Speech and Language Therapy and other healthcare professionals

3.10 Provide equitable, evidence based SLT interventions

3.11 Deliver and supervise in-service training to a wide range of healthcare staff

3.5 Be a key member of relevant multidisciplinary teams providing integrated SLT care.

3.6 Show initiative in assisting/supporting other SLT teams as required

3.7 Lead and provide strategic planning and development in the delivery of clinical services

3.8 In clinical management team(s) to provide integrated SLT care, including input into business planning and service agreements

3.9 Lead in service development and quality improvement in Speech and Language Therapy

3.10 Be able to prioritise, organise, allocate, delegate and triage referrals to optimise patient care

3.11 Actively participate in the planning and delivery of staff meetings and in-service training

3.12 Provide support and advice for complex patients to SLTs and members of the multi-disciplinary team

3.13 Participate and lead at a local and regional level in the specialist area.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

5.1 BSc (Hons) Clinical Language Sciences or equivalent degree accredited by RCSLT.

5.2 HCPC Registered to practice as a SLT.

5.3 Post Graduate Qualification in Dysphagia.

5.4 Post graduate specialist training to Masters level qualification

5.5 Advanced professional knowledge acquired through extensive experience of working in the field and postgraduate informal and formal education.

5.6 Extensive experience in of SLT role within Specialist area.

5.5 Complex clinical skills in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing impairment, which should be evidence based and updated using relevant identified means e.g. appropriate journals, courses, portfolios, professional guidelines etc.

5.6 Specialist skills in the use of instrumental assessment for assessment, diagnosis and management of dysphagia related to Specialist area

5.7 Expert knowledge of drivers, evidence base and NICE guidance for Specialist pathway

5.8 To have the skills and ability to lead audit, quality improvement and research and support other members of the team in conducting these.

5.9 Able to lead and motivate a team, demonstrate leadership, initiative, confidence, and excellent time management and organisational skills.

5.10 Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

5.11 Be able to communicate complex medical information or gain consent when dealing with high risk and vulnerable patients.

5.12 Excellent presentation skills and experience in designing and delivering training to large multidisciplinary groups of staff or members of the public.

5.13 Be able to give comprehensive lectures to SLTs and other healthcare professions, promoting quality evidence based practice

5.14 To participate in the identification and trial of new equipment, therapy approaches and products

5.15 To provide clinical leadership to speech and language tea and act as a source of clinical expertise, providing specialist support to other clinicians and healthcare professionals both from within and outside the organisation

5.16 To be able to provide specialist knowledge for the development of local, regional and l guidelines and to use specialist knowledge to support local, regional and national organisations

5.17 Able to demonstrate knowledge of business planning

6. CORE VALUES

6.1 Comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies and procedures.

6.2 Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Trust policies and HPC standards.

6.3 Be compassionate and ethical in the provision of SLT care.

6.4 Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development.

7 CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

7.1 Demonstrate good office practice in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

7.2 Be a pro-active team member of the SLT department at LTHT by leading in departmental development projects, attending, participating and leading in departmental meetings and clinical updates.

7.3 Demonstrate the ability to communicate complex, specialised and sensitive information with empathy and understanding.

7.4 Demonstrate the ability to provide complex Communication and Swallowing counselling to patients requiring cognitive behavioural therapy skills and use of advanced reassurance, motivational and negotiation skills to overcome barriers to change.

7.5 Demonstrate established clinical expertise in the specialist area.

7.6 Demonstrate the ability to motivate team members to achieve individual and team objectives/goals using developed motivational and negotiation skills.

7.7 Demonstrate the ability to analyse clinical and non-clinical information to form accurate therapy care plans in a highly specialist area.

7.8 Demonstrate advanced analytical skills in prioritising the best course of SLT treatment in patients with highly complex clinical conditions, where therapeutic goals may conflict with other on-going physical, emotional, psychological and medical problems.

7.9 Ability to use a range of specialist equipment with precision and accuracy during communication and swallowing assessments, including instrumental assessment.

7.10 Demonstrate excellent time management, prioritisation and organisation skills, able to respond to unexpected challenges and pressures, and support the continuing development of these skills within the team.

7.11 Demonstrate research consciousness and implementation in practice

7.12 Demonstrate the ability to coordinate, analyse, interpret and report complex data collected through rigorous audit and service evaluation

8 CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

8.1 To have extensive knowledge of the structure and working practices within LTHT with regard to the provision of high quality speech and language therapy to the specialist area8.2 To be able to understand and contribute to the links between teamwork, liaising within LTHT and other primary and secondary trusts.

8.3 Ability to perform highly specialised SLT assessments, interpret and plan relevant SLT care programmes for patients

8.4 Advanced knowledge of diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing problems related to specialist area and associated treatments.

8.5 Demonstrate advanced knowledge in interpretation of complex clinical information to develop, monitor and complete swallowing and communication care plans in specialised areas

8.6 Responsible for safe discharge planning.

8.7 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate practice using evidence based practice and critical appraisal.

8.8 Knowledge of business, research and project proposal and report writing

8.9 Ability to advise and suggest suitable dietary and fluid modifications to facilitate safe swallowing in a highly complex caseload.

8.10 Ability to lead and implement clinical governance, quality of care and evidence based practice in specialist areas.

8.11 Awareness of national guidance and driving factors in specialist areas.

Expected Shortlisting Date

09/06/2025

Planned Interview Date

19/06/2025

Job description

Job responsibilities

To take a clinical lead role in the specialist area taking responsibility for the advanced assessment, diagnosis, management and specialist treatment of complex communication and swallowing related to a wide range of conditions in the specialist area.

To be an expert practitioner and utilise specialist knowledge in line with local policies/protocols and professional guidelines to manage risk and improve function.

To provide specialist speech and language therapy advice to any appropriate hospital or primary health care professional.

To build links with allied agencies across primary and secondary care improving local and regional care pathways across acute, outpatient and community settings.

To actively contribute to the strategic development and implementation of both the specialist SLT and wider multi-disciplinary areas.

This will include taking the lead on developing and maintaining the SLT pathways and ensuring the highest possible clinical standards are met. Manage audit and quality improvement data collection, analysing, interpreting and reporting findings.

Participate in research and development and teaching and support other team members participating in these activities.

Contribute to the highest standards of clinical governance and respond to and influence Trust, national and professional advanced in the specialist area.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS

3.1 Be an expert practitioner in their specialist area () and act as a senior adviser to SLTs and other professionals on professional issues related to this specialist field

3.2 Provide clinical leadership across Specialist pathways.

3.3 Provide specialist SLT input across Care Pathways for patients presenting with Swallowing and/or Communication impairment, demonstrate a high level of post graduate experience within the specialist area.

3.4 Conduct advanced clinical and diagnostic instrumental assessments

3.5 Treat and manage complex communication and swallowing impairments within the specialist area of work as part of relevant multidisciplinary teams and represent Speech and Language Therapy at multidisciplinary meetings within relevant Clinical Support Units

3.6 Identify, develop and implement strategies to improve patient care through the development and adherence to relevant LTHT policies, protocols, strategies and objectives in conjunction with departmental and Trust business plans.

3.7 Adhere to the Health and Care Professions Council Society of Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, DOH, NICE guidelines and LTHT health and safety guidelines.

3.8 Manage own complex caseload and support and train junior SLTs and ward staff

3.9 Provide mentorship, training and supervision to students and colleagues from Speech and Language Therapy and other healthcare professionals

3.10 Provide equitable, evidence based SLT interventions

3.11 Deliver and supervise in-service training to a wide range of healthcare staff

3.5 Be a key member of relevant multidisciplinary teams providing integrated SLT care.

3.6 Show initiative in assisting/supporting other SLT teams as required

3.7 Lead and provide strategic planning and development in the delivery of clinical services

3.8 In clinical management team(s) to provide integrated SLT care, including input into business planning and service agreements

3.9 Lead in service development and quality improvement in Speech and Language Therapy

3.10 Be able to prioritise, organise, allocate, delegate and triage referrals to optimise patient care

3.11 Actively participate in the planning and delivery of staff meetings and in-service training

3.12 Provide support and advice for complex patients to SLTs and members of the multi-disciplinary team

3.13 Participate and lead at a local and regional level in the specialist area.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

5.1 BSc (Hons) Clinical Language Sciences or equivalent degree accredited by RCSLT.

5.2 HCPC Registered to practice as a SLT.

5.3 Post Graduate Qualification in Dysphagia.

5.4 Post graduate specialist training to Masters level qualification

5.5 Advanced professional knowledge acquired through extensive experience of working in the field and postgraduate informal and formal education.

5.6 Extensive experience in of SLT role within Specialist area.

5.5 Complex clinical skills in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing impairment, which should be evidence based and updated using relevant identified means e.g. appropriate journals, courses, portfolios, professional guidelines etc.

5.6 Specialist skills in the use of instrumental assessment for assessment, diagnosis and management of dysphagia related to Specialist area

5.7 Expert knowledge of drivers, evidence base and NICE guidance for Specialist pathway

5.8 To have the skills and ability to lead audit, quality improvement and research and support other members of the team in conducting these.

5.9 Able to lead and motivate a team, demonstrate leadership, initiative, confidence, and excellent time management and organisational skills.

5.10 Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

5.11 Be able to communicate complex medical information or gain consent when dealing with high risk and vulnerable patients.

5.12 Excellent presentation skills and experience in designing and delivering training to large multidisciplinary groups of staff or members of the public.

5.13 Be able to give comprehensive lectures to SLTs and other healthcare professions, promoting quality evidence based practice

5.14 To participate in the identification and trial of new equipment, therapy approaches and products

5.15 To provide clinical leadership to speech and language tea and act as a source of clinical expertise, providing specialist support to other clinicians and healthcare professionals both from within and outside the organisation

5.16 To be able to provide specialist knowledge for the development of local, regional and l guidelines and to use specialist knowledge to support local, regional and national organisations

5.17 Able to demonstrate knowledge of business planning

6. CORE VALUES

6.1 Comply with professional codes of practice, professional guidelines and departmental policies and procedures.

6.2 Maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with Trust policies and HPC standards.

6.3 Be compassionate and ethical in the provision of SLT care.

6.4 Demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development.

7 CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

7.1 Demonstrate good office practice in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

7.2 Be a pro-active team member of the SLT department at LTHT by leading in departmental development projects, attending, participating and leading in departmental meetings and clinical updates.

7.3 Demonstrate the ability to communicate complex, specialised and sensitive information with empathy and understanding.

7.4 Demonstrate the ability to provide complex Communication and Swallowing counselling to patients requiring cognitive behavioural therapy skills and use of advanced reassurance, motivational and negotiation skills to overcome barriers to change.

7.5 Demonstrate established clinical expertise in the specialist area.

7.6 Demonstrate the ability to motivate team members to achieve individual and team objectives/goals using developed motivational and negotiation skills.

7.7 Demonstrate the ability to analyse clinical and non-clinical information to form accurate therapy care plans in a highly specialist area.

7.8 Demonstrate advanced analytical skills in prioritising the best course of SLT treatment in patients with highly complex clinical conditions, where therapeutic goals may conflict with other on-going physical, emotional, psychological and medical problems.

7.9 Ability to use a range of specialist equipment with precision and accuracy during communication and swallowing assessments, including instrumental assessment.

7.10 Demonstrate excellent time management, prioritisation and organisation skills, able to respond to unexpected challenges and pressures, and support the continuing development of these skills within the team.

7.11 Demonstrate research consciousness and implementation in practice

7.12 Demonstrate the ability to coordinate, analyse, interpret and report complex data collected through rigorous audit and service evaluation

8 CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

8.1 To have extensive knowledge of the structure and working practices within LTHT with regard to the provision of high quality speech and language therapy to the specialist area8.2 To be able to understand and contribute to the links between teamwork, liaising within LTHT and other primary and secondary trusts.

8.3 Ability to perform highly specialised SLT assessments, interpret and plan relevant SLT care programmes for patients

8.4 Advanced knowledge of diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing problems related to specialist area and associated treatments.

8.5 Demonstrate advanced knowledge in interpretation of complex clinical information to develop, monitor and complete swallowing and communication care plans in specialised areas

8.6 Responsible for safe discharge planning.

8.7 Demonstrate the ability to evaluate practice using evidence based practice and critical appraisal.

8.8 Knowledge of business, research and project proposal and report writing

8.9 Ability to advise and suggest suitable dietary and fluid modifications to facilitate safe swallowing in a highly complex caseload.

8.10 Ability to lead and implement clinical governance, quality of care and evidence based practice in specialist areas.

8.11 Awareness of national guidance and driving factors in specialist areas.

Expected Shortlisting Date

09/06/2025

Planned Interview Date

19/06/2025

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree accredited by RCSLT
  • Health and Care Professions Council license to practice as a Speech and Language Therapist.
  • MSc or relevant post graduate qualification
  • Post-graduate competence in specialist area: instrumental and/ or airways management ( including tracheostomy and ventilated patients)

Experience

Essential

  • Highly specialist Knowledge of Specialist area
  • High level of in-depth knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions and evidence of highly specialist clinical expertise relevant to this caseload
  • Well established knowledge of RCSLT Professional and Clinical Guidelines/Policies both locally and nationally in the specialism as well as relevant national strategy and drivers.
  • Uses specialist knowledge to inform sound clinical judgements and decision-making for complex cases

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills. Active and empathetic listening/ counselling skills
  • Values differences; regards people as individuals and appreciates value of diversity in the workplace
  • Able to work effectively within and lead a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate
  • Ability to formulate independent clinical decisions following assessment.
  • Able to negotiate with client / carer and medical / AHP teams around individual case management
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Recognised Speech and Language Therapy Degree accredited by RCSLT
  • Health and Care Professions Council license to practice as a Speech and Language Therapist.
  • MSc or relevant post graduate qualification
  • Post-graduate competence in specialist area: instrumental and/ or airways management ( including tracheostomy and ventilated patients)

Experience

Essential

  • Highly specialist Knowledge of Specialist area
  • High level of in-depth knowledge of a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions and evidence of highly specialist clinical expertise relevant to this caseload
  • Well established knowledge of RCSLT Professional and Clinical Guidelines/Policies both locally and nationally in the specialism as well as relevant national strategy and drivers.
  • Uses specialist knowledge to inform sound clinical judgements and decision-making for complex cases

Skills and Behaviours

Essential

  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills. Active and empathetic listening/ counselling skills
  • Values differences; regards people as individuals and appreciates value of diversity in the workplace
  • Able to work effectively within and lead a team, co-operating to work together and in conjunction with others and willing to help and assist wherever possible and appropriate
  • Ability to formulate independent clinical decisions following assessment.
  • Able to negotiate with client / carer and medical / AHP teams around individual case management

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Employer's website

https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Head of Speech & Language Therapy

Paula Hendron

fiona.gilmore2@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

20 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£53,755 to £60,504 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-ATH-413

Job locations

Leeds General Infirmary

Great George Street

Leeds

LS1 3EX


Supporting documents

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